PSG admit making ‘mistake’ over letting Thiago Silva leave before Chelsea transfer

The Brazilian has been outstanding for Frank Lampard’s side since joining on a free transfer

Thiago Silva has shone for Chelsea this season (POOL/AFP)

Paris Saint-Germain have admitted they may have made a “mistake” by letting Thiago Silva’s contract expire before his move to Chelsea.

The Brazilian ended an eight-year stay in the French capital this year when his contract expired.

The French club allowed both Silva and Edinson Cavani’s contracts to expire rather than strike an agreement over extensions for the club legends.

And after proving his worth with the Blues already with a series of outstanding performances for Frank Lampard’s defence, sporting director Leonardo admits the club may regret losing the players’ vast experience.

“At one moment, we have to say, ‘what are we going to do’. We spoke clearly with them,” Leonardo said through the club’s official media outlets.

“It was a moment where we could not give them exactly what they wanted. It was a financial and generational problem.

“It was the moment to count on Marquinhos and [Presnel] Kimpembe. The decisions were difficult to take. Aside from that, we could have made a mistake.”

Cavani has since joined Manchester United, also on a free transfer, ending his seven-year association with the French club, where he is now the all-time record goalscorer, with 200 goals in 301 appearances across all competitions.

The Uruguayan scored his first goal for the Red Devils in the 3-1 victory over Everton last weekend.